Reasonable Expectations from Physical Therapy

Category: Medical Help

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT in a physical therapy evaluation, and how should the results be incorporated into treatment?

Comprehensiveness
In physical therapy school, students are taught all the components of the following type of evaluation. They are instructed to complete all of the components of the following evaluation on any body part that is affected by problems that the patient is being sent to physical therapy for.

Because polio is a systemic disease that initially invades the body from head to toe, polio survivors are at risk for dysfunction of multiple body parts. Therefore it follows that all these components of a physical therapy evaluation should be performed on all body parts for polio survivors. Comprehensive evaluations of this type can take as long as three to four hours spread out over three to four visits. (I am aware that some PT departments are not set up to allow this much time per patient. This may be another factor in your decision as to which PT to choose.)

Most polio survivors envision that certain of their body parts were minimally or not at all affected by polio. However, I think it is very helpful to survivors when a PT can evaluate the whole body and possibly confirm that certain body parts were relatively spared from dysfunction. Conversely, the PT may point out to survivors that certain body parts have been affected perhaps more than they thought. If this is the case, measures can be taken to minimize the effect of abnormalities.

After an evaluation such as that described below, the PT should sit down with the survivor (and family or other significant people, if the survivor so desires) to explain the results. A thorough explanation with a proposal of treatment options can take up to an hour. The survivor and others in attendance should be encouraged to ask questions they have regarding the results and the proposed treatment options. The survivor should then decide which option to pursue.

The therapist should compose a report detailing the specifics of the evaluation and the therapist's recommendations for approval by the referring physician. The therapist should work in conjunction with the physician to implement a program based on the results of the evaluation.

Interview Prior to Physical Assessment

What is the survivor's complete medical history?

What is the survivor's vocational social history?

What is the survivor's perception of function in each major body part?

Has any decline of function occurred in recent years? Are there symptomatic areas of pain?

Are there body parts at circulatory risk, i.e., is there cold intolerance, presence of swelling, discoloration of skin, etc.?

Are there any problems with sleeping?

Are there any problems with breathing or swallowing?

What activities are common for the survivor on a regular basis?

How is endurance for activities?

How accessible is the survivor's home?

How are the survivor's abilities to move in bed, get up and down from a chair, or to walk?

Does the survivor use any special equipment? (i.e., braces, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, feeding devices, breathing devices, etc.) Have these devices changed in recent years? Are there any problems using the current equipment?

Cardiopulmonary
EVALUATION. The components of a basic cardiopulmonary evaluation should be under consideration throughout the physical assessment. The survivor's resting blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate should be evaluated. Some description should be made of the survivor's ability to adequately oxygenate each lung lobe and of the survivor's ability to cough and breathe deeply. In conjunction with coughing and deep breathing, a description of the use of abdominal muscles and chest muscles for forces should be included. The PT should also describe any abnormal use of the neck or chest muscles for breathing purposes.

During the rest of the physical evaluation, repeat measurements of the resting heart rate, blood pressures and respiratory rate, and quality should be periodically recorded to let the therapist, survivor and attending physician know how the survivor responds to mild activity such as is conducted during a physical assessment.

Some PTs have the kind of equipment to give the survivor a modified aerobic exercise test using a treadmill or a stationary arm or leg cycle. (Of course, if the survivor has a history of heart or lung disease, it is not wise to do a test of this kind without proper cardiopulmonary monitoring in an office with access to a physician.) An 8-to-12-minute test of areas type may be performed to determine how the survivor responds to this kind of more vigorous, sustained activity, as compared to the intermittent, lower-level activity performed in the rest of the evaluation.

A word of caution here is that performing a sustained aerobic activity before knowing the survivor's true strength as noted below under "STRENGTH TESTING" could be hazardous. Survivors can overexert themselves in the cardiopulmonary testing and suffer pain, muscle tremors, or temporarily increased muscle weakness as a result afterwards.

TREATMENT. If cardiopulmonary abnormalities are found in the evaluation, vital signs should be monitored during any treatment involving exercise. Almost all polio survivors will show a generalized de-conditioned cardiopulmonary response to exercise. They can benefit from instruction in work simplification techniques, energy conservation techniques, body mechanics, etc., to reduce their daily cardiopulmonary demands.

All polio survivors, even in the absence of true lung function impairment, can benefit from instruction in abdominal-diaphragmatic and segmental breathing.

Many survivors have trunk abdominal weakness that results in binding down of the soft tissues of the body, making it difficult to move the chest wall well during breathing. Proper breathing techniques can help address these problems. Survivors who have postural problems that impair oxygen flow will also be helped by using these techniques. Finally, normalizing respirations is known, to reflexively activate the part of the nervous system that promotes bodily relaxation.

Of course, for survivors who do have true respiratory impairment, learning all the above can be potentially lifesaving or life-prolonging. These survivors should also learn assisted coughing techniques.

Flexibility Testing
EVALUATION. Flexibility testing refers to how far into a given movement a person can move a body part. In medical jargon, this is referred to as range of motion (ROM). ROM tests should be performed of all joints in all places. These measurements should be taken accurately with an instrument called a goniometer, which is a standard piece of equipment in all physical therapy departments. (A goniometer is a device similar to a protractor with arms on it that can measure precisely in degrees, the amount of movement present at any joint in any plane.) Simply "eyeballing" the available movement at the joints is not acceptable.

There are many texts that cite "normal" values for ROM at each joint in all planes. These various sources disagree on what "normal" is. PTs should define whatever values they have chosen to use as representative of "normal" in light of whether or not the chosen values are at the upper end or at the lower end of those noted in the available resources.

In interpreting ROM values, the PT should show survivors a ratio of their values over the value that the therapist is considering normal. For example, if the normal ROM that the PT is considering for straight leg raising is 80 degrees and the survivor's ROM is 60 degrees, the ROM should be expressed at 60/80. This is helpful so that both the survivor and the therapist are aware that the survivor has a 25% deficit in flexibility.

TREATMENT. The importance of adequate flexibility in all patients, but especially in polio survivors, cannot be overstressed. It is well-documented by people active in the acute phase of polio treatment during the epidemics earlier in this century (Sister Kenny and current lecturer Dr. Thomas P Anderson, for example), that muscles affected by polio easily become "stiff," and must undergo continual stretching to maintain adequate flexibility. Without adequate flexibility, it becomes very difficult for a person to use whatever strength is available in that body part. Poor flexibility can also cause pain and deformity. Too much flexibility on the other hand can cause what Florence Kendall refers to as "stretch weakness." This, too, makes it difficult to use the available strength.

In general, I have always used the "normal" values as a firm target to shoot for in most people to assure as normal a biomechanic force at a joint as possible. Surgeries, arthritis, or bony deformities may impair a person's ability to achieve "normal" ROM. However a good passive stretching program performed by a friend or family member goes a long way toward minimizing pain and normalizing movement patterns. Self-stretching is usually difficult to perform due to pain, weakness, and substitution patterns.

In certain cases amongst polio survivors, some degree of "tightness" in certain muscles may assist function. For example, in a patient with weak forearm and finger muscles, a certain degree of tightness selectively permitted in these muscle groups can allow the patient to have the appearance of more "strength" than he/she would otherwise have. Another example might be if a patient has weak knee extensor muscles and weak buttock muscles, a certain amount of tightness in the inner aspect of the thigh may make it easier for the patient to use the available strength in the thigh. However, these examples are quite variable and extremely dependent on all the symptoms that present in a given patient. Only a well-trained therapist can discern, in conjunction with the patient's physician, if certain areas of selected tightness might be adaptive for a particular person.

Strength
EVALUATION. Close, specific testing of the strength of each muscle is important. Gross testing of muscle groups is not appropriate in polio survivors. Specific testing is necessary because a hallmark of polio was the fact that it skipped about the body in seemingly random fashion, affecting parts of a muscle here and parts of a muscle there, sparing parts of muscle here and sparing parts of muscle there. I know of no other testing protocol other than that advocated by Florence P. Kendall, PT, that is adequate to test polio survivors. Survivors and professionals may be referred to the 1983 third edition of Kendall's book, Muscle Testing and Function,which she co-authored with her daughter, Elizabeth Kendall McCreary. Her protocol is one of manual muscle testing. Testing with Kendall's methods is easier if the patient is clothed in a manner to allow the evaluator to see the muscles being tested.

Many people think that testing should be done only with sophisticated exercise equipment that is found in sports therapy clinics or in clinics that specialize in the rehabilitation of injured workers. I feel that most polio survivors cannot be adequately tested by machines such as this, due to using abnormal substitutive movements that can potentially cause harm in the presence of significantly compromised strength. Again, I will emphasize that for individual, specific muscle testing, I know of no other protocol other than that advocated by Florence Kendall.

The only adaptation to Mrs. Kendall's techniques that I advocate, if possible, is using a hand-held dynamometer during the testing. If the PT has access to such a device and is skilled in using it, the dynamometer readings can add valuable information to a manual muscle test. For example, one muscle that grades 3+ on a 1 to 5 scale might be capable of producing only 6 pounds of force (as measured on a dynamometer) while another muscle grading 3+/5 might be capable of producing as much as 12 pounds of force.

A word of explanation regarding the grading of muscles is appropriate. The Kendalls advocate documenting muscle grades by the use of percentages, i.e., 90-100%, etc., in conjunction with the old terms used by Dr. Robert Lovett in the early decades of this century, which were normal/good/fair, etc. Another method for labeling muscle grades is using numerals 1 to 5. I have adopted this 1 to 5 grading system as being the easiest way to document on a record the value of the strength of a given muscle.

Given the above set of numbers, on a 1 to 5 scale, a grade of 3 would be approximately 50%. However, it is important for health professionals and polio survivors to understand the concepts documented in 1961 by Beasely. He found that polio survivors' muscle grades do not correspond with the above ratios. An abbreviated version of Dr. Beasely's study is listed below.

Given Dr. Beasely's study, it is important for polio survivors to understand that even though their best muscles may grade in the vicinity of 3+ on the 5-point strength scale, their percentage of normal muscle strength may only be 10 to 20%.

Another factor important to consider in strength testing is endurance. If the survivors can tolerate it, I usually have them perform three to four trials of a given motion before recording the final grade. Not infrequently I find that the first trial is significantly better than the third or fourth trial. If this is the case, I will record the value on the first trial and the value on the third or fourth trial and label them as such. It is important to recognize that a survivor may be able to put forth effort with one or two repetitions, but may not be able to duplicate that effort with sustained repetitions. In fact, in some cases a survivor may be unable to even initiate a movement after three or four attempted repetitions.

TREATMENT. Given all the factors above, there is a fair amount of controversy in the literature regarding the utility of strengthening programs in polio survivors. Some sources say that even in polio muscles grading 4/5, only an 11% gain in strength is possible with a concerted exercise program and that this cannot be sustained over time. The implication is that if grade 4 muscles react this poorly, then certainly strengthening for weaker muscles is also of questionable value or even contraindicated. There is also definite danger in over-exercise. At least four researchers have shown increased weakness in response to non-specific, intensive exercise.

My personal experience and recommendations are as follows:

1. "Strengthening" exercise seems most useful in assisting survivors to learn more normal movement patterns. It is doubtful that true strengthening occurs, but patients seem better able to use their available strength as a result of exercising.

2. All "strengthening" programs should be implemented only in the context of a person's cardiopulmonary function.

3. If a person cannot perform a given motion without substituting abnormal movement patterns, it is rarely useful to attempt to "strengthen" muscles performing that motion. Doing so would only further stress over-worked muscles and further reinforce abnormal movement patterns. This sets a person up for worsening pain syndrome.

4. If the muscles of a given extremity grade 3+/5 or better for 3 or 4 repetitions without substitution patterns, they may respond to a low-level "strengthening" program. Characteristics of this program might include:

a. 0-3 pounds of free weight resistance;

b. Hold count of 2-5 seconds followed by 2-5 seconds of rest, which allows for adequate rotation of muscle fiber firing without fatigue;

c. 2-5 repetitions performed 2-3 times per week;

d. Use of abdominal-diaphragmatic breathing with sustained exhalation as a means of reducing blood pressure elevation with exercise and activating abdominals to stabilize the trunk pelvis during exercise.

5. If the muscles of a given extremity grade 3+/5 or better without substitution patterns BUT the extremity has compensated for years for a significantly weaker contralateral extremity, in general, it should not be stressed by further exercise. This is especially true in the upper extremities. Attempts should be made, however, to teach normalization of movement patterns, e.g., normal scapulohumeral rhythm, pelvic-trunk diassociation, etc.

6. Isometric exercise may be useful for muscles grading 2-3/5 to promote circulation in that body part. Isometrics may also help retain some joint stability in body parts with this much weakness.

Lap swimming, walking in a pool, or biking with the arms or legs seems to be best tolerated as aerobic activities. In general, 15 to 20 minutes total aerobics (including warm-up/cool down) is the maximum recommended. Minimal resistance for biking is recommended at speeds no greater than 30 mph. Walking on dry ground is not as often recommended because of the trauma produced by abnormalities in walking patterns.

Survivors should recognize that, in general, it is considered that a muscle must have a grade of at least 3+/5 to function in ADL without external support (bracing/orthotics). If a muscle grades less than 3+/5, using that muscle during ADL without orthotic support puts that body part in great risk for developing joint instability and pain. If a person desires to avoid pain and further dysfunction, muscles with this degree of weakness should be properly splinted or braced.

Sometimes physicians or survivors are reluctant to recommend or accept bracing because they fear that, "whatever strength is there will decline." While this may be true to some extent, isometric exercise or simple anti-gravity exercise without weighted resistance will go a long way towards retaining the existing strength, even in the presence of orthotic support. At all costs, remember that the trade-off for not using adequate orthotic support in the presence of significant weakness is further pain and dysfunction.

Posture
EVALUATION. As with gross strength testing, gross posture assessment yields little useful information. However, using the results of a very specific posture and strength assessment can be the basis for important recommendations for assistive devices.

Posture assessment should encompass evaluation of bone angulation and length and joint abnormality, along with the more traditional concept of posture that includes alignment of the major body parts with one another. It is important to evaluate both sitting and standing posture. It is important to make some conjecture on the posture evaluation as to whether a specific posture deviation is a fixed, permanent type of deformity or a flexible one that might be possible to change with appropriate intervention.

TREATMENT. Addressing posture can be very helpful in minimizing or preventing pain and increasing endurance for sitting/standing/walking. Some times simple instructions in posture correction techniques, both in sitting and standing, are helpful. Other times, selective strengthening exercises are helpful in normalizing posture.

In the presence of more pronounced weakness, foot, trunk, or extremity orthoses may be necessary. Correction of leg length (even slight differences) may make the difference between the presence of pain and being pain free.

Bed Mobility and Transfers
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT. A PT should look closely at a survivor's ability to move in bed. The PT can then use this as a teaching time fcr offering suggestions as to positioning for comfort to minimize pain-producing or skin-irritating stress on body parts.

Evaluating the survivor's ability to rise from a chair and to sit from standing can yield valuable information about how a person is able to functionally use
his/her strength. This information can be used to point out painful biomechanic stresses on the body that result from the methods used and to suggest
possible alternative movement patterns or assistive devices that may be helpful (e.g., lift chair, tub seat, etc.).

Gait Testing
EVALUATION. If polio survivors are able to walk, it is important to evaluate them on level surfaces, inclines, curbs, and stairs if possible. Some clinics are able to videotape walking performance. This is helpful so the survivors can see for themselves the abnormalities that the PT. is identifying on the evaluation.

Evaluation of a person's gait is often traumatic for poliosurvivors. I have found frequently that polio survivors have been reluctant to even watch themselves in mirrors. The survivors are surprised and sometimes dismayed at the deficient quality of their gait. Sometimes it is the evaluation of gait that is the deciding factor in a polio survivor's mind as to whether or not to accept assistance from a P.T. or whether or not to consider positively suggestions for use of assistive devices.

The biomechanic stress resulting on the survivor's body from abnormal gait must be pointed out. For example: the stress on the back during a profound forward/sideways/backward leaning of the trunk; the repetitive stress on the joints and muscles of the legs that results from severe "back knee"; trauma to the arms resulting from using crutches, etc.

The PT may also point out how a person may be compensating with one muscle for weakness in another muscle. Correlating the strength and ROM evaluations with the gait evaluation is helpful.

If survivors are unable to walk, the PT should assess their ability to use wheelchairs, etc. Again, observation on more than flat surfaces is helpful.

TREATMENT. If most leg muscles grade 3+/5 or greater, low-level exercise (see above) and instruction in gait normalization may be all that is necessary. For significantly weaker muscles, orthotic devices or caneslcrutches, etc., might be recommended. Often upper body weakness or pain is so pronounced that use of crutches, etc. must be discouraged. In these cases, encouraging the use of power wheelchairs or scooters may be necessary.

Skin
EVALUATION. A PT should do at least a gross assessment of the easily visible skin. The PT should comment on the presence of swelling, skin color, temperature,and quality (scaliness, moist, dry, thin, etc.).

The PT should pay special attention to any areas of skin in contact with braces, special shoes, etc. If the survivor sits the majority of the time, the PT may wish to request permission to look at the skin over the buttocks.

TREATMENT. The PT should instruct survivors in measures for controlling swelling, skin care, turning schedules, skin inspection, etc. In some cases, the use of pneumatic pumps or pressure gradient garments (Jobst, etc.) are helpful in controlling swelling or improving skin quality.

Assessment of Appliances
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT. Survivors should bring all special equipment that they have used in the preceding five years to the evaluation, if possible. The PT should observe the survivor's ability to use this equipment and comment on whether modification of the equipment may be helpful or whether alternative devices may be necessary.

Pain
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT. The PT should evaluate the presence of pain and use the results of the rest of the evaluation to determine contributing factors to the pain. Sometimes correction of posture, movement patterns, ROM, etc. can decrease pain. Other times use of orthotic devices or reduction of ambulation time will reduce pain.

If polio survivors suffer acute sprains, etc., often treatment with traditional physical therapy physical agents (hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound, etc.) is helpful. However, chronic pain in polio survivors often responds best to special massage techniques such as craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, etc. The survivor should request if the PT is trained in these pain-relief massage techniques.

If the evaluating PT is unskilled in these techniques and chronic pain is a significant problem, the survivor should request a referral to a PT who does perform these techniques.

Physical therapists can offer valuable comprehensive evaluative services to polio survivors. Based on the results of the evaluation, treatment plans may be developed and implemented that may significantly improve the quality of life for polio survivors. Physical therapists can also serve as educators of both polio survivors and their referring physicians.